After completing Space Elevator Phase 3, two new milestones become available again (Satisfactory Space Elevator Phase 3 Guide: Unlock Tiers 7 and 8) . This lets you expand your factories even further and discover many new resources. Both Tier 7 and the following Tier 8 are crucial to prepare for the game’s final major hurdles. They unlock a lot of new buildings and items, and even introduce new machines for crafting other things. In this tier there are five different parts to complete in sequence. Everything gets increasingly complex, but don’t get overwhelmed—take as much time as you need.
Satisfactory Tier 7: Bauxite Refining and Aluminum Production
This is likely the most important part of the entire milestone, because it unlocks a completely new material that opens up many additional recipes.
Complete with:
- 100x Computer
- 100x Heavy Modular Frame
- 250x Motor
- 500x Rubber
Your scanner can now search for Raw Quartz and Bauxite—two essential ores with lots of uses. You can mine both with your regular Miners, and there are both pure and impure nodes. For production, we recommend the Swamp (Satisfactory map: Best locations for every resource) . You’ll find well-accessible deposits of both there.
You need both materials to make Aluminum. That’s not straightforward: you’ll need Aluminum Scrap and Silica. Combine Bauxite ore with Water to create Alumina Solution, then combine that with Coal to produce Aluminum Scrap. Make Silica from Quartz. Aluminum Ingots are used in various recipes and many alternate recipes. Even more important are Alclad Aluminum Sheets and Aluminum Casings, as you’ll need both for upcoming progress.
Satisfactory Hoverpack instead of Jetpack: Precise movement in Tier 7
Right after you start producing Aluminum, you should unlock the Hoverpack to move more easily and efficiently. After that, you can say goodbye to your old Jetpack.
Complete with:
- Alclad Aluminum Sheet
- 100x Heavy Modular Frame
- 100x Computer
- 250x Motor
The Hoverpack is far more precise and easier to control than the Jetpack, as it lets you hover in place and reach even hard-to-access spots with ease. To craft it you’ll use the same items you just invested to unlock this section, only in smaller amounts. You’ll also gain 3 additional inventory slots.
The pack draws power from nearby power poles—another clear advantage over the Jetpack. You no longer need fuel as long as you’re within range of sufficient power sources. It consumes 100 MW.
Satisfactory Logistics Mk. 5: Faster conveyor belts for 780 items per minute
This is another small but welcome improvement to your workflow. New conveyor belts are always appreciated and help you move more items.
Complete with:
- 200x Alclad Aluminum Sheets
- 400x Encased Industrial Beams
- 600x Reinforced Iron Plates
Compared to Mk. 4 belts, which move 480 items per minute, the Mk. 5 versions transport up to 780 items per minute. You don’t need to replace every belt—focus on the key points in your production lines where the upgrade really pays off. Each belt costs one Alclad Aluminum Sheet to build, so you’ll need to have invested in Aluminum production. Visually, Mk. 5 belts feature chevrons and taller stone sidewalls.
Satisfactory Hazmat Suit and Gas Mask: Safe through toxic zones
You may have already found areas during exploration that are anything but friendly. With the right protective gear you can enter them safely and collect some rare items.
Complete with:
- 50x Gas Filter
- 100x Aluminum Casing
- 500x Turbo Wire
Alongside three more inventory slots, you unlock both the Hazmat Suit and the Gas Mask. Both protect you from poisonous gas; only the Hazmat Suit also protects you from radiation. Radiation becomes relevant in later tiers, so this is a good time to prepare.
Important: check the Mycelia research in the MAM. There you’ll learn how to craft Fabric from Mycelia and Biomass. You need Fabric for the filters, the mask, and the suit. You’ll also need Iodine-Infused Filters, which must be replaced regularly. Collect mushrooms while exploring and research them in the MAM so you can craft the suit and filters for Tier 8 and beyond.
Satisfactory Sulfur, Blender, and Sulfuric Acid: Foundation for endgame recipes
The final part of Tier 7 packs a punch and is vital for several production lines. Alongside Sulfur, you unlock some essential endgame recipes.
Complete with:
- 200x Alclad Aluminum Sheets
- 400x Aluminum Casings
- 200x Computer
- 1,000x Plastic
First you unlock the Blender, which lets you combine both solid and liquid components. This is required for several upcoming recipes and also enables stronger alternate recipes.
The second key piece here is Sulfur. You can now locate and mine it if you haven’t already researched it in the MAM. Sulfur is used in various components, from explosive weapons to batteries and alternative fuels. Sulfuric Acid, for example, is a crucial part of batteries and later nuclear power. Alternate recipes include Compacted Coal and Turbo Fuel.
Finally, you also unlock the recipes for Radio Control Unit, Supercomputer, and Assembly Director System. These are foundational for Tiers 8 and 9, so you don’t need to dive into the details just yet.
Conclusion on Satisfactory Tier 7: Aluminum, sulfur, and key upgrades
Tier 7 is an important stepping stone to prepare you for the game’s final big challenges. You immediately unlock multiple new resources, including Aluminum and Sulfur, opening exciting possibilities. Some things also get simpler, like navigation with the Hoverpack and improved Mk. 5 conveyor belts. You’ll also set up much of what you’ll need for Tier 8, including the Hazmat Suit and the final recipes you unlock here.
Rent one of our servers for Satisfactory and work your way up to Tier 7. The game does get increasingly complex, but once you master this stage, you’ll be well prepared for the challenges ahead!
